WOODSFIELD — A trial is under way today for a Monroe County man accused of murdering Tracy Heskett almost one year ago.

Ralph A. “Sonny” Ash pleaded innocent in May to charges of aggravated murder with a gun specification, abuse of a corpse and having weapons under disability. The trial is taking place in Monroe County Common Pleas Court.

Ash, 55, of 31099 Township Road 61 (Burkhart Ridge Road), Lewisville, had attorney Mark Morrison, Monroe County public defender, appointed to represent him. Prosecutor James L. Peters is leading the case for the state.

Monroe County Sheriff Charles R. Black Jr. said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation confirmed that human remains found on the property occupied by Ash were those of Heskett.

According to the indictment, the aggravated murder charge, an unclassified felony, and abuse of a corpse charge, a felony of the fifth degree, occurred between Feb. 14 and Feb. 16, 2015.

Black said Heskett, who was in her late 40s, had been “in some type of relationship” with Ash. The sheriff also said the victim was last seen on Feb. 14, and she was reported as missing to the sheriff’s department Feb. 16.

After the woman’s remains were found, they were sent to be analyzed by the Licking County coroner. The sheriff’s office submitted other evidence to be analyzed by BCI.

Jury selection began early this morning, and opening statements are expected to be heard this afternoon or on Tuesday.